Townend relishing chance to get team up with another Mullins class act in Min

Paul Townend, Willie Mullins' number-one jockey during the enforced absence of Ruby Walsh, has four rides for Ireland's champion trainer at Gowran Park on Saturday, with exciting chaser Min the headline act on his return to action in a three-runner conditions chase (2.20).

Min bids to make it three from three over fences on Saturday and Townend is looking forward to partnering the six-year-old for the first time.

Townend, who has ridden three winners – notably Faugheen – for Min's owners Rich and Susannah Ricci in the past week, said: "Min has never gone two and a half miles before and the ground will be heavier than ideal, but he was very good last season when winning his two races.

"He's a class horse and it's great to have him back in action. He's in good form and hopefully things will go well."

Min wins the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase on his last outing before injury struckCredit: Patrick McCann

The 27-year-old earlier rides course and distance winner Sharjah in the four-year-olds' novice hurdle (1.10), in which he faces four rivals including fellow maiden hurdle winners Roaring Bull and the Joseph O'Brien-trained Shady Operator.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Roaring Bull, said: "He's in good form and we think he has improved since his maiden win at Tipperary last month."

Monbeg Notorious, a dual winner over hurdles last season, represents Elliott in the 2m4f beginners' chase (2.55).

Elliott said of the six-year-old: "It's his first run of the season and his first over fences, but he won a point-to-point and has shown himself adaptable in terms of ground. He's in good form."

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